Dr. David Golden.
DALLAS—Essilor noted with deep sadness the passing of Dr. David Golden, a pioneer in the industry best known for founding PERC and for devoting his career to supporting and advancing independent optometry. Dr. Golden passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in his Long Beach, Calif. home on Sept. 22 at the age of 59 after a long and courageous fight with a terminal illness. “Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of Dr. David Golden, a man of unwavering commitment who has dedicated his career to helping independent optometrists deliver the best care for patients and reach success and fulfillment in their careers,” said Rick Gadd, president of Essilor, North America. “I invite the eyecare industry to join us in recognizing our beloved friend and colleague, a true hero to the industry and a major influencer in the progression of independent optometry. Our thoughts are with the Golden family and the PERC community.”

Dr. David Golden has been practicing optometry since 1987 after graduating with honors from Southern California College of Optometry. In 1996, he became a founding doctor of Aris Vision Institute, a leading provider of refractive surgeries in the world. In 2008, along with his colleague Dr. Howard Stein, Dr. Golden formed the Professional Eyecare Resource Co-Operative (PERC) in an effort to help independent optometrists leverage their combined buying power and greatly improve their bottom lines.

Dr. Golden is survived by his wife Sheila, to whom he has been married since 1989 and their two daughters. He was an avid woodworker and spent much of his spare time building and restoring furniture and fishing with his family and friends in Alaska and Mexico. 

Essilor noted that Dr. Golden will  be greatly missed by his family, patients, and colleagues. Private services and other arrangements are still being planned. Friends and colleagues in the industry who would like to share condolences can send them to golden@percalliance.com.